Device for aiding in manufacturing arch supports



T. ENGEL 1,830,648 DEVICE FOR AIDING IN MANUFACTURING ARCH SUPPORTS Nov. 3, 1931.

2 Sheets-Shet 1 Filed Dec. 6, 1929 awwvntoz Iz deZ .TZeodon 351 %Z,'J Elw n/mm;

L W M A (m M f 2 y 4 5 1 M id 5 T. ENGEL Nov. 3, 1931.

1,839,648 DEVICE FOR AIDING IN MANUFACTURING ARCH SUPPORTS Filed Dec. 6, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 72,8010 $331 %L d Gum/mm; I

Patented Nov. 3, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application filed December 6, 1929,.Seria1 No. 412,141, and in Germany Jane 11, 1929.

The present invention relates to a device whereby the under-contour of the feet may be measured with exactitude in order to per mit the accurate manufacture of an arch 8 support. Heretofore, foot contours have been measured by means of plaster-of-Paris moulds. The main disadvantage of such moulds is that it is not possible to use the same as an anvil or similar former or shaper,

permittin a metal plate to be pressed, hammered or ormed into shape thereon.

The object therefore, of my invention isto provide a device which will not only accuratel measure the under foot surface but which can be fixedly held in its position of adjustment after the foot measurement has been obtained to enable future comparison of the arch support made with the original measurements taken.

A further object of my invention is to provide a means which will form, simultaneously with the takini of the foot measurement, an anvil or ot er support on which the arch support may be pressed, hammered or otherwise formed into shape.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a means whereby the arch of the cot may be readily measured in spite of the fact that it mi ht be deformed or if the leg be weak-jointe the measurable degree of the knock may be taken into consideration.

With these objects and such other obects as mayhereinafter appear, in view, I ave devised the particular arrangement of parts set forth below and more particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved device;

Figure 2 is an end view of the same;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the same;

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the structure showing the manner in which the foot measurements are taken;

' Figure 5 is a view of the lower portions of the device showing the manner in which the same may be used as an anvil;

Figure 6 is an end view of the apparatus during the forming process for a weak-jointed leg; and

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the upper portion of the structure as shown in Figure 6. v

Throughout the various views of the draw- 5! ings, similar reference characters designate similar parts.

In the embodiment of m invention disclosed in the accompanying drawings, I show an upper frame consisting of side members 80 a, a1 and four downwardly depending legs 6. The frame thus formed is provided with a pair of spaced plates d1 and (Z2 extending between and supported by the legs I). At e is shown a plurality of closely spaced pins whichare provided at their upper ends with heads 2, these heads being located adjacent to one another and co-operating to form a foot surface or bed.

The pins e are adapted to be freely movable through openings provided in the plates (Z1 and 032 and are normally held with their heads extended for a considerable degree above the plate (11 by the pressure of springs 7 which surround each one of the pins e. Located between the plates ($1 and d2 are slidable wedging plates g1 and 92, said lates having holes 71 (Figure 721 partly aligne with the holes provlded in t e lates all and (2. The wedging plates g1 and 92 are provided with handles 3 to enable them to be forced in opposite directions to grip the pins e and prevent the same from longitudinal displacement once the foot contour has been obtained.

At B-B is a frame similar to that just described, the same being provided with pins E which pass through spaced plates D1 and D2 and having wedglng plates G1 and G2. 1

. It will be seen that the pins E have their heads extending downwardly and their opposite ends 4 abutting against the similar ends of the pins e. Sockets K are provided on the posts B so that the posts I; on the frame a may fit in said sockets and the frame a held directl over the frame b whereby they pins 6 95 and F may be held in direct alignment. The two frames at and B in their superposed position are held on supports m whose upper ends terminate in sockets K1 into which the lower ends of the post B fit. The posts m wardly wedging while re lica of such contour. 2p i restnpon a flat support at which has its side edge pivoted at 5 to anunder-suppo'rt p.

' rom the forefoiplg, the manner in which m device is use w' be readily understood. T e foot to be measured, is placed firmly upon the heads 2 provided on the pins 0 and 1s firmly pressed t ereon. These pins a move downagainst the pressure of their springs f and closely conform to the under-curvature of the foot. The wedging plates 1 and 92 are then brought into action and w en forced in opposite directions, serve to grip the sides of the ins e and hold the same in their position 0 adjustment. The pins e now being forced downward by the pressure of the foot act to similarly force downward the ins E which may then also be gripped and ield in their adjusted position b the ressure of the plates G1 and 2. hus, the parts assume t e position shown in Figure 3. It will be there seen that the heads 2 on the pins a give the correct under-contour of the foot the heads on the pins E give a reverse.

- measurable those on the sup ort and adapted to beshifted to correspond t ereto by foot pressure on the conformable members, and means for locking the last-mentioned members inthe positions to which they are shifted.

- 3. In a device of the class described, a

frame for taking foot sole measurements for arch supports, a plurality of spring-pressed Bins adapted to be independentli depressed v foot pressure, and means for oldm the frame inclined during the imposition 0 foot pressure to take into consideration the degree of the knock of weakjointed legs duringthe measuring operation. Signed at Fran fort a/m, Germany, this 14th day of November, 1929.

THEODOR ENGEL.

he frame B carrying the pins E may then be removed from its support and upturned as shown, in Figure 5 where it will be seen that ed into shape.

the heads on the pins E form an anvil on which the metal sheet which makes the arch ,sup rt may be hammered, pressed or mould- The reverse replica of the arch may be taken from the heads on the ms e. p In Figures 6 and 7, I disclose the operation' of measuring an arch of a weak-jointed In such case, the bottom member at is of an adjusting screw 7 according to the measurable degree of the knock by means of a plumb line a and scales r1 and 12 and then the forming or moulding of the arch of the foot is formed in a manner set forth.

- While I have shown one embodiment of my invention, it is obvious that the same is not to be restricted thereto, but

' cover all structures coming within the scope of the annexed claims.

What I claim is 1. Ilnt a delvicelitof 15?.8 class deesscsrggemdg sup 0 a p ura o sprmg-pr ro held thereon, the ripper ends of said rods adapted to conform to the shape of a foot laced on them, a second set of rods held low the spring-pressed set, the lower ends of which are provided with heads and ada ted-to form a reverse replica of the shape of t e foot placed on the s ring-pressed rods. 2. In a device of the c aracter described, a plurality of spring-pressed conformable members against which the sole of the foot is adapted to be pressed, a support in which the same are held, means for locking said members against longitudinal movement throu h their support when require and a plur ty of move 1e members loca is broad enough to below. 

